📅 Events Calendar
All Ottawa writing events in one place - click any event for details
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📅 Upcoming Events
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Writing Organizations Directory
Permanent resources and groups in Ottawa's writing community
Weekly & Monthly Writing Groups
Regular gatherings for writers of all levels and genres
✍️ Regular Writing Circles
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Ottawa Writing Group
📅 Sundays 10am 📍 National Art Center & various locations 💰 Free60-minute dedicated writing sessions in a supportive environment. Bring your project and write alongside fellow Ottawa writers. All genres and experience levels welcome.
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Elmvale Writers Group
📅 Mondays 6:30pm 📍 Ottawa Public Library Elmvale Acres Branch 💰 FreeWriters Collective of Canada workshop format. Share your work, receive constructive feedback, and develop your craft in a supportive community setting.
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Rosemount Writing Collective
📅 Thursdays 1:30pm 📍 Ottawa Public Library Rosemount Branch 💰 FreeCommunity writing workshop with creative prompts and exercises. Perfect for overcoming writer's block and exploring new writing styles.
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Beaverbrook Writing Group
📅 Thursdays 6:30pm (Oct 2 - Dec 18, 2025) 📍 Ottawa Public Library Beaverbrook Branch 💰 FreeSeasonal writing group focusing on craft development and peer support. Registration recommended but drop-ins welcome.
🎯 Specialized Writing Groups
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Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW)
📅 Third Tuesday monthly 7pm 📍 Via Zoom 💰 Membership requiredProfessional development for serious writers. Recent guests include Pamela Molloy on "Grabbing the Editor's Attention" and Rick Mofina on "From Crime Reporter to Crime Fiction."
Visit Website → -
Canadian Authors Association NCR Writing Circles
📅 Multiple circles with varying schedules 📍 Various locations & online 💰 CAA membershipMultiple circles including Monday Afternoon (4th Monday 1:30pm), Tuesday Afternoon (bi-weekly 10am), and Poetry Circle (3-4 weeks, Mondays 4pm). Professional critique and support.
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Writers in Bloom
📅 Various dates 📍 Ottawa-based & online 💰 Sliding scale pricingCreative writing workshops specifically designed for neurodivergent and chronically ill writers. Inclusive, accessible format with accommodations available.
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Poetry Events & Open Mics
Share your voice at Ottawa's vibrant spoken word venues
🎤 Monthly Poetry Events
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Urban Legends Poetry Collective
📅 Monthly poetry slam 📍 Arts Court Atelier Studio 💰 Pay what you canOttawa's premier poetry slam featuring local and visiting poets. Sign-up starts at 7pm, performances begin at 7:30pm. Competitive slam format with audience judging.
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Poetry Night at The Artists' House
📅 Third Friday monthly 7-9pm 📍 ArtHouse Studio 💰 Pay what you canIntimate open mic night in a cozy studio setting. All styles of poetry welcome, from traditional forms to experimental verse.
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Ottawa Trans Library Poetry Night
📅 First Friday monthly 5:30-7:30pm 📍 1104 Somerset W 💰 FreeInclusive poetry reading and discussion space. Safe environment for LGBTQ2S+ voices and allies. Informal format encourages participation.
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🎙️ Weekly Open Mics
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Art House Cafe Open Mic
📅 Monday evenings 7pm 📍 Art House Cafe 💰 Free to perform -
Live on Elgin Open Mic
📅 Tuesday evenings 8pm 📍 Live on Elgin 💰 Free to perform -
Nostalgica Pub Open Mic
📅 Friday evenings 8pm 📍 Nostalgica Pub & Beer Garden 💰 Free to perform
Book Clubs & Reading Groups
Join fellow readers to discuss great literature
📖 General Fiction Book Clubs
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Monday Evening Book Club
📅 First Monday monthly 7pm 📍 Ottawa Public Library 💰 FreeClassic and contemporary fiction. October: David Copperfield, November: Demon Copperhead, December: Companion.
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Introverted Book Discussions
📅 Monthly Saturday afternoons 📍 Via Meetup 💰 FreePerfect for quiet book lovers. Small group discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Beer Drinkers with a Reading Problem
📅 Monthly Thursday evenings 📍 Various pubs 💰 Buy your own drinksAges 25-42. Casual book discussions over craft beer. Fiction and non-fiction selections.
🎯 Genre & Special Interest Clubs
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Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club
📅 Third Thursday monthly 7pm 📍 Ottawa Public Library 💰 FreeExplore speculative fiction from classics to contemporary works. Discussions cover worldbuilding, themes, and genre conventions.
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Silent Book Clubs
📅 Various times 📍 Multiple locations 💰 FreeRead your own book in the company of fellow readers. Locations include East End (Thursdays 7pm), Bells Corners (Tuesdays 6:30pm), and Constance Bay (Wednesdays 7pm).
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Ottawa Nonfiction Book Club
📅 Monthly meetups 📍 Various locations 💰 FreeExplore ideas through nonfiction. Topics range from science and history to memoir and social issues.
Writing Workshops & Educational Programs
Develop your craft with professional instruction
🎓 University Programs
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University of Ottawa Creative Writing
Comprehensive programs including Minor, Certificate, and Microprogram options. Courses cover poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, stage/screen writing, and graphic fiction. Taught by published authors and industry professionals.
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Carleton University Creative Writing Hub
Annual poetry competitions, literary showcases, and publication in Sumac Literary Magazine. Workshops in various genres with emphasis on contemporary Canadian literature.
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Algonquin College Writing Programs
Professional Writing Diploma (2-year), Creative Writing Certificate (part-time online). Individual courses include "Essentials of Writing Fiction," "Writing Short Stories," "Poetry Writing," and "Romance Writing."
Browse Courses →
🏘️ Community Workshops
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Writers Collective of Canada
📍 Multiple library branches 💰 Free, drop-inFree workshops at Elmvale Acres, Vanier, Rosemount, and Hazeldean branches. No registration required. Focus on accessible creative writing for all levels.
Workshop Info → -
Pen & Paper Writer's Workshop
📅 Monthly Tuesdays 6pm ⏱️ 120-minute sessionsStructured workshops focusing on specific writing techniques. November 4, December 2, and ongoing monthly sessions.
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Writing Retreats at Wintergreen Studios
📅 Multiple dates 2026 📍 Rural Ottawa ValleyImmersive retreats including Self-Directed Group Retreat (Jan 25-31), "Writing on the Land" with renowned authors (May 6-10), and Poetry Retreat with Lorna Crozier (May 31-June 6).
View Retreats →
French-Language Events
Événements littéraires francophones
🇫🇷 Gatineau & Bilingual Events
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Association des auteurs et auteures de l'Outaouais
Regular author readings, writing workshops, and literary events for francophone writers. Strong community supporting Quebec and Franco-Ontarian literature.
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Alliance Française Ottawa French Book Club
📅 Saturday monthly 📍 Alliance FrançaiseMonthly discussions of contemporary and classic French literature. Open to intermediate and advanced French speakers.
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Culture géniale - CKCU FM
📅 Sundays 1pm 📻 93.1 FMBilingual radio programming featuring author interviews, literary discussions, and cultural commentary.
Additional Resources
Publications, grants, and professional development
📝 Literary Journals & Publishing
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Bywords.ca
Monthly online magazine accepting poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Submissions due 15th of each month. Published since 1999.
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Sumac Literary Magazine
Carleton University publication accepting work from campus community. Annual publication featuring emerging voices.
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Arc Poetry Magazine
Canada's national poetry magazine based in Ottawa. Archibald Lampman Award for poetry excellence.
Submission Guidelines →
🏢 Professional Organizations
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Canadian Authors Association - NCR
National Capital Region branch offering professional development, writing circles, and networking for serious writers.
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Ottawa Independent Writers
Professional association for freelance writers. Monthly meetings, workshops, and industry connections.
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Ottawa Science Fiction Society
1,200+ member community for fans and writers of speculative fiction. Monthly meetings and special events.
Join on Meetup →
Stay Connected with Ottawa's Writing Community
This guide is updated monthly with new events and opportunities. Bookmark this page and check back regularly!
Have an event to add?
Contact Jay Tarzwell at jay@barkerhrs.com